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MAHASIVARATRI 2002 PHOTOS

The following discourse has been translated into English from Bhagavan's Telugu speech as heard on this festival's ashram audiocassette. It is a complete, literal translation made with the objective of preserving Bhagavan's precious original poetic style as much as possible.

DISCOURSE BY BHAGAVAN SRI SATHYA SAI BABA

Summer Course - 2002

21 May 2002

Sadayam Hrdayam,

Yasya Bhashitam,

Sathya Bhushitam,

Kaayam Parahite Yasya,

Kalavtasya Kalav Yugum.

Whoever’s heart is supremely sacred,

full of peace and security;

whoever’s words are truthful;

whoever’s body participates in actions

helpful to others:

such a man’s life is blessed.

Even the effects of Kali (Yuga) cannot trouble him.

(Swami sings a Sanskrit sloka)

Sanctify Time With Sacred Actions

Embodiments of Love!

Whoever’s heart is full of compassion, whoever’s word has truth, whoever’s hands take part in actions that are helpful to others, no type of effect of Kali Yuga will touch such people and they will be protected. Today the effects of Kali Yuga give difficulty to all, without distinction of ‘people like this’ or ‘people like that’.

Ravana knew that he would die in a few minutes. Numerous good people, yogis and scholars gathered around Ravana. They said, “Ravana, you have done numerous actions. You have done many good actions and you have taken part in so much evil. Yet, out of all of these, what is the best action that you have achieved? We want to know and so we are asking you this.”

Ravana said, “Dear ones! The ones who resolve to do good actions, the ones who aspire to do sacred seva for the Lord, and the ones who resolve to enter into meritorious actions should not delay. As soon as such good resolves, good influences and good thoughts arise from your heart, you should attempt to do those actions. You don’t need to be afraid of anyone. It is not good to delay. Sanctify your time with sacred actions.”

“At one time I resolved to build a ladder from the earth to heaven. I aspired to change the ocean all around Lanka into sweet water and give it to everyone. Then I resolved to give a suitable type of happiness and comfort to every life form that was suffering in hell. However up till today, I haven’t begun to put into action such resolves and such sacred actions.”

“Therefore, at least you should attempt to do these good actions, have good conduct and have good thoughts as soon as they are resolved in your heart. This is a word of truth that I have recognized.”

In the world, we resolve to do so many things. However, though we resolve, we are not putting all of these actions into practice. We are wasting our life and delaying by saying, “Tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow.” One should step forward to have good behaviour. One should first enter into good actions. Good thoughts should be put into the form of action. This only is the important action that man should do.

Therefore, Ravana did so many actions. However, among those actions, he didn’t enter into any good resolves.  He entered into evil, cruel and bad actions. He aspired to get a good name and do so many good actions, but his life was contradictory to this.

My Name Is Kabanda

After Ravana abducted Sita, Lakshmana and Rama went all around the forest to search for Sita. However, when they came to one place, they saw a strange individual. That individual had no head. His whole face was on his stomach. Seeing that distortion, they immediately said that it was a demon. A big tongue came from the stomach.

They went near that individual who was so distorted and Lakshmana questioned him, “Who are you? Why are you living like this? You don’t have any neck at all!”

“Sir, my story is very amazing. My name is Kabanda. Each arm is ten miles long. I can bring close animals that are even ten miles away and eat them. I don’t need to walk.  I can fill my stomach wherever it is. Therefore, you will see that my story is quite amazing.”

Kabanda questioned, “Truly, who are you? Why did you enter into this fearful forest? Seeing you, you seem to be delicate. You have arrows. You look like very beautiful sons. You look like princes. Which is your kingdom? Why did you enter into this forest?”

Truth was Rama’s most important quality of speech. Regardless of the situation, He wouldn’t speak anything other than truth. Rama always spoke the truth: “Sir, we came to the forest to obey the word of the father. We are obeying the word of our father and thus spending time in the forest. However, I am suffering now due to separation from my wife. Someone abducted her. We are searching to find out where she is. Please find out the truth and tell us where she is, what situation she is in and whether she is dead or alive.”

Kabanda said, “Sir, first turn me into ashes. When I am ashes, I will tell you these details.” Rama and Lakshmana thought, “What is this? When he is ash, where will he be? What will he be able to speak? Now he has no throat; then after dying, where will he get the throat to speak? This demon-like body is the effect of a curse. Yet, who cares however it is, we will do what he said.” Lakshmana killed him and burnt him.

After they burnt Kabanda, he took a beautiful form. He came and told them, “Sir, due to numerous sins, I was subjected to a few curses and I took that form. I was told that, “Whoever burns this body to ashes are forms of God. In order to enact a drama in the world, they will be subjected to much harm. But they actually have no suffering at all. No difficulties will come to them. Yet they are acting in a Divine drama. Rama is the embodiment of God. His name is Sri Ramachandra. His brother is Lakshmana. Even though they are forms of God, they will be subjected to such suffering like this.” He said that.

Then Kabanda said, “Rama, your Sita is in Lanka. I will tell You many subtle ways in order to obtain her. It is impossible for anyone to touch her. She is chaste. Whoever touches her will turn to ashes. The three of you have come together and you are enacting a drama in the world and acting numerous parts in this drama. I think that very soon you will meet Sita and you will reach Ayodhya. My word will always be truth. May you experience happiness and peace soon.” He said this and he disappeared with that  (astral) body.

The son of the Sun god was Sugriva. Sugriva was the Sun god’s son. Both Vali and Sugriva were brothers. Vali made him lose the kingdom and be subjected to numerous difficulties. Vali was greatly valorous and strong. Sugriva was also like that. However, Vali harmed Sugriva in numerous ways and forced him to go far from Kishkindha (their kingdom).

Then when Kabanda left his body completely, he told Rama to make friends with Sugriva. He said this and then he died. Rama inquired and wandered around, “Where is Sugriva? What is his story?” Though they knew everything, they enacted a drama. Soon, they met Sugriva, and through Sugriva, they got to know the news of Sita.

All of Rama’s army came near to Lanka. From there, they must enter into Lanka. There was a big ocean as an obstacle. Who will cross the ocean? However, everyone said, “I can't cross it! I can't cross it!” Just as it is said, “Avoiding work and ready to eat,” the army said, “We can't do this work.” They said Hanuman was able to do this work. So Hanuman accepted. He said, “Following the command of Rama, I am ready to do anything.”

The Argument Between Vali And Sugriva

No one can easily understand the argument between Vali and Sugriva. Vali was a very bad person. He was greatly valorous. However, he was also a friend to Rama. When bad times come, even the intellect of someone like Vali changes.

Much suffering was experienced in Rama’s search for Sita. A lot of time was wasted in this search thinking, “When is Rama coming? When is Lakshmana coming?”

   Vali fought with the demon Dundubhi and threw his body down. That body came to fall on the mountain of Rishyamukha. The rishi, Mathanga, was doing austerity on the top of that mountain. Dundubhi’s blood fell on him. The rishi cried, “Who sprinkled this unsacred blood on my body which is doing sacred austerity?” Thinking so, he closed his eyes and cursed, “The one who threw this body, whoever it is, his head will break into a thousand pieces and he will die if he climbs this mountain.”

Sugriva, who knew this truth, reached that mountain (seeking refuge from Vali who wanted to kill him). Hanuman went along with him. So, the ministers and their associates (in support of Sugriva) all reached there. Vali made numerous attempts to go there and kill him. However, it was not possible. He couldn’t go. In a situation like this, Sugriva determined to gain victory over Vali.

From the mountain, Sugriva saw two very beautiful and radiant youths coming. “Who are these princes? They seem like sons of kings. Did they happen to come for a pastime in the forest?” He inquired in many ways. However, Hanuman was the son of the Wind god, wasn’t he? So in a moment he changed his form, and he came down and spoke with them nicely.

The words of Hanuman and the conversation of Hanuman were very soft and sweet. His words were gentle and sweet. Rama recognized words like that. Rama thought to Himself, “Who is he? He seems to be a pure Brahman.”

Rama asked Hanuman, “Dear one, where do you come from?” When Hanuman said, “I am a minister of Sugriva”, Rama replied, “Alright, we came to see Sugriva, according to the words of Kabanda.” Hence, Hanuman made Rama and Lakshmana sit on his shoulders and took them to the top of the mountain. The conversation that went on between Hanuman and Rama at this time is very sweet. It all went on in Sanskrit.

Hanuman explained the entire situation of Sugriva. Then Rama found out that there was no fault in Sugriva. “This is only the scheme that Vali made up. Vali unjustly put the blame on Sugriva that he had the evil resolve to gain the kingdom. Vali was adamant and so he forced Sugriva out.

He Should Make Friends

After leaving Vali’s kingdom, Sugriva should make friends with Rama. Sugriva thought to himself, “If one wants to develop friendship, it should be observed if the person is greater than me or not. If I want to fight with someone, only when I make friends with a greater one than my enemy, will I be successful. If I make friends with someone less than my enemy, I will lose.”

Sugriva made a resolution: “Rama, my elder brother is very great. He’s very strong. He is also virtuous. In case You have to fight with him, it should be recognized whether there is sufficient strength in You or not.” Rama answered, “Find out in any way you want.”

“One time my elder brother shot an arrow through five palmyra trees in a row. It went through five trees and went to the sixth tree.  A palmyra tree is very sticky. It is not so easy for anyone to shoot an arrow through it. Will Rama be able to do this?” Saying that, Sugriva slowly took Rama near to a few palmyra trees. He said, “Here are four trees. Shoot and we shall see.”

Rama was always smiling. He was never observed suffering. Slowly Rama took out an arrow, placed it in his bow and shot. It went through four trees, and then went through another four trees, then through another four trees, and it came out with speed! Sugriva said, “He is the right one. With a friend like this, my work will be successful.”

Afterwards, Sugriva went and consulted Rama, saying that Vali should somehow be killed. Rama made the plan. At one time, Rama said to Sugriva: “Get ready and go tomorrow. Go ten miles from Kishkindha and shout loudly.” Sugriva went and shouted once. Vali came running out.

Tara was greatly virtuous. She was Vali’s wife. She held both of Vali’s hands and said, “It is not good if you go now. The reason is that Sugriva has developed great strength. It is said that he made friendship with some princes. Based on this situation and time, you should not be in haste without thinking before or after. It is said:

Regarding the work that has to be done,

considering well the good and bad of it,

if one does it without any thought,

it will become poison.

                                  (Telugu poem)

“It will change into poison. Conduct yourself carefully.” Saying that, she took him back inside. Tara was very virtuous. She had good power and capability. Her inquiry power was very great. Her intelligence was great. She spoke only the truth. All of these were effects of the dharma of a chaste wife.

You Should Be Killed

Afterwards, on the second day, Rama told Sugriva to go again and shout. So Sugriva went and shouted. However, this time Vali didn't listen to Tara’s words. Rama shouldn’t go into the town of Kishkindha. Rama should not enter. What is the reason? He gave the promise to His father that He would spend fourteen years in exile but would not live in towns. It wasn’t possible to send Sugriva without Rama coming along. So the war between the two should happen outside the town.

Sugriva shouted from the bottom of the mountain. When he shouted, Vali came running. The two fought on that day. Their entire bodies were full of blood. However, Rama had given the promise to Sugriva: “I will protect you.” Due to both having the same form, Rama was unable to make out who was Vali and who was Sugriva.

However, unable to bear the pain, Sugriva came back. When he came back again, Rama consoled him and told him cooling words. With soft words, Rama gave Sugriva the appropriate type of courage and boldness. Rama told him to be ready on the next day.

Rama said to Sugriva, “Dear one! Both of you are sons of the same mother. Both forms are the same. The muscles of both of you are the same. So, in order to recognize who is who, Lakshmana will go and pick some flowers in the forest and make a garland.” Rama took that garland and put it around Sugriva’s neck.

Sugriva entered the war wearing that garland. The fighting was continuing on. But Rama recognized the garland and immediately shot an arrow at Vali. Immediately Vali fell down. He fell down, but he was still alive. He wasn’t dead yet.

Based on that situation, Rama went near him and said: “Vali, the sin that you did was very dangerous to Sugriva. The wife of one’s younger brother is equal to one’s mother. You took Sugriva’s wife and sent Sugriva to another place, meaning, you wouldn’t let him remain in the town. Then, there are other reasons: You claimed that Sugriva did a few things that he did not do. I don’t like lies. So, I gave the promise to your younger brother that I resolved to kill you.”

I said that Vali was very intelligent, didn’t I? Then Vali said, “So, Rama, You are very great. But why did You come to this forest?” If the whole history is inquired into, Rama said that He came to obey the promise to his father. However, it is very wrong to kill Vali in the war. Vali added, “This is something that isn’t related to You at all. We are brothers. This is a danger (conflict) that happened due to both of us wanting the kingdom. It is not justified for You to hurt me.”

Then Rama said, “Vali, what you say is justified. However, if I want to kill animals, how should I kill them? They should be killed from behind a tree. The ones who kill animals will not kill them right in front. You are an animal. So, you should be killed from behind a tree.”

Vali answered, “So good. You have killed me from behind a tree. Yet how good it would have been if You had come in front, shown your face and said, “I will kill you.” Rama replied, “Vali, I know well the strength within you. Whatever individual comes in front of you to fight, half of their strength will go to you. Hence, I should not fight right in front of you.” In this way, Rama explained many morals from the scriptures. “What I have done is correct. You did a major sin. You should experience the appropriate punishment for that sin.” Vali and Rama argued a lot. However, Vali couldn’t win any argument.

Finally, when Vali felt he would die, he called Rama near. “Rama, I'm going to die. However, he made Rama promise: “You should make my son the Crown Prince.” Rama said that He would. Finally, after all the funeral ceremonies were done for Vali, Rama made Sugriva the King and Angada (Vali’s son) the Crown Prince, and He released  Sugriva’s wife.

Clash Between Three Sets Of Brothers

Here in the Ramayana, clashes between three kings (three sets of brothers) took place. One was the war of Vali and Sugriva. Another was the war between Ravana and Vibhishana. The third was in Ayodhya, the war between Rama and Bharata. Out of these three wars, two wars were in order.

The brother of Ravana, Vibhishana, prayed to Rama, became a servant of Rama and he got his elder brother killed. Vibhishana became the king. People thought, “This is very unjust.” However, even Sugriva asked for the help of Rama, got Vali killed and he became the king of Kishkindha.

(Note: The following episode is when Rama was sent to the forest and Bharata should have ruled Ayodhya for fourteen years.)

Yet, in the clash between Rama and Bharata, there was no one at all aspiring for the kingdom. There was no decision to be made about who should be king. The three brothers came together and wanted Rama to be king. They prayed to Rama, “You only are the eldest son. It is not possible for anyone else to be king. Forgive us!” Bharata, Satrughna and Lakshmana came and prayed. So, in these three ‘wars’, it was only the clash between Rama and Bharata that consisted of Dharma.

Rama argued, “I have to follow the command of our father. I won't put My foot in Ayodhya.” Bharata argued, “Until You come to Ayodhya and are coronated, I will be as if in the forest. But I won't be in Ayodhya, so forgive me.” Therefore, the clash went on very equally between both.

Finally Rama accepted. “It is the appropriate Dharma of the four to obey the command of the father. All of us are brothers. We are all one. There is nothing like, ‘The kingdom is yours or Mine.’ So what is there to argue about? Only Bharata is the king. This is the command of the father.” Saying this, without war, they came to an understanding about the kingdom. Many clashes happened in this kind of way.

Rama always spoke the truth. He didn’t know anything else other than truth.

Sathya Naasti Paro Dharmah.

  The highest Dharma is Truth.

 (Sanskrit sloka)

“Hence, Truth will make Me win. Dharma will give me victory.” Saying that, He was always successful with Truth and Dharma.

Finally, Rama also fought a war with Ravana. Before killing Ravana, Rama praised him so much. “Ravana is very virtuous. These types of thoughts arose in him due to succumbing to a curse. But this is not his fault. It is the fault of the demigods. It is the sin done by Jaya and Vijaya. Therefore, there is no fault at all in Ravana.” Saying this, Rama also forgave Ravana.

However, regarding taking Sita away, the people of the world are like crows. No matter how much Dharma is practiced, no one will believe it. People questioned, “How can Sita, who was in Lanka for ten months, be good?” The people of the world wondered in many ways. Regardless of the pure way she spent her life, the world will change it into (consider it) completely unsacred.

So to give satisfaction to the world, Rama had her go into the fire (the ordeal of the test of fire), and only then He took her back. Even the Fire god said, “She is blameless. You have no authority to put her to such a test. How can You protect the world when You do such a thing to such a chaste woman?” The Fire god argued a lot as a witness.

Finally, they arrived in Ayodhya. When they reached there, many types of words were spoken. People who were joyful were on one side; and on another side were people who spoke badly, due to anger. Criticism and praise, rejection and acceptance: Rama knew that all are only regarding the body, but not regarding the Atma.

The Embodiment Of Truth

Therefore, in every subject in the Ramayana, step-by-step there is only Truth. There are no other paths beyond that. In the future, you should recognize the nature of Vali and Sugriva. Many people of the world also talk mockingly about this. There are so many people who say, “For Rama’s own selfishness, He made friends with Sugriva. Rama killed Vali without reason.” Rama never entered into anything without a reason. He wasn’t someone who took actions without a reason.

Therefore, in the Ramayana, whatever episode, whatever event or whatever letter is observed, there is the embodiment of Truth; but adharma or asathya cannot be observed. So, the Fire god himself arose out of the sacrificial fire (bringing the bowl of payasam out of which Rama was born) and Narayana (God Himself) incarnated as Rama.

Many dramas have to be enacted in the world. Therefore Rama acted appropriately. Even the Ramayana is a drama. Rama was the Director. He was not only the Director, but also an actor. All the people were ones who took parts in this. There were so many roles and so much acting. Even Rama acted very well. So it is not possible to point blame at any part of it.

The Ramayana, though it is a few thousand years old, becomes an ever-new Ramayana. Who can prove faults in such an ever-new Ramayana? None can. There may be some mistakes when creating or writing something (in interpretation), but Valmiki’s Ramayana is the real (true) Ramayana. Therefore, if we want to understand well the nature of Ramayana, we should think a bit, take time, inquire well and select the truth.

The Wedding Of Sita and Rama

Previously, the marriage or wedding took place in Mithila town. Even people who were naïve and didn’t know anything, described Rama: “What type of person is Rama?  He is one who has a pure heart. He is one with sacred feelings. His actions and His works all are sacred. Therefore, come! All of us will see such a sacred wedding of Rama!”

Come, come! Let’s go to see the wedding of Rama!

Come, come! Let’s go to see!

Come! Let us go and see!

All the ladies are gathering to see the marriage

of the son of the clan of Badra.

Come, come! Let’s go to see the wedding of Rama!

Come, come! Let’s go to see!

Ladies are excessively jubilant.

There are wondrous buildings,

decorations of pearls (over doors),

small bells on the windows,

diamond ledges (in front of houses).

Thousands and thousands of sapphires have been laid.

Come, come! Let’s go to see the wedding of Rama!

Come, come! Let’s go to see!

Ladies have many ornaments.

In front of the court,

Rama will tie the sacred wedding thread to Sita.

Both are of suitable age, it is nicely arranged.

Rama is suitable for Sita.

The ladies are standing in front of their grooms,

bending their heads, being shy.

Sage Vasishta has been called,

 and swords  (from ancestors) belonging to the grooms

are brought in a praiseworthy way.

Come! Let us go to see the marriage of Rama!

(Swami sings a Telugu song)

When the ladies were coming like this, the gents were coming from another side, singing:

Come! Let us see the marriage.

Let’s see the marriage of the son of Kausalya.

They say that the ones who see are very meritorious.

Such merit is a great fortune it is said.

Such devotion will grant liberation.

Come! Let us see the marriage.

Let’s see the marriage of the son of Kausalya.

Rama shines on the elephant seat.

He is sparkling!

Brothers are serving Sita and Rama.

 On Rama’s lap is Sita.

Smilingly, He inquires about our welfare.

Come! Let us see the marriage.

Let’s see the marriage of the son of Kausalya.

(Swami sings a Telugu song)

   In this way, women and men were describing His virtues: “There is no one better in this world. He is Rama, He is the manifested Lord.” Saying that, not only the residents of Ayodhya, even the residents in Janaka’s town were describing Him so.

Those Who Live With Faith

Hence, no one needs to doubt the subject of Rama. Those who live with faith in the actions and virtues of Rama will never go far from God. The one who has faith in Rama will never go bad. There may be those who don’t believe and get spoiled. But those who have faith and get spoiled are not, not, not to be seen in this world.

Hence, just like many stories are written regarding God, you may feel this is also just a story. This may be a story. But whose story? History: His - Story, His Story  - -  history! Thus, there is no need to doubt such a sacred nature.

So in the future, I will tell you many subtle points and a few secrets also in this Ramayana. I also told you this before. The nature of Sita and Rama is so sacred. The relationship of Rama’s brothers is also very secret. The relationship of Sumitra and Kaika is very sacred.

Kaika is not someone separate. Kaika taught Rama much knowledge. Kaika brought Rama closer to her than her own son Bharata and she taught all types of education to Him. Due to some situations and times, unnecessary blame came on Kaika; but Kaika is not at fault at all. In God's play, stories (that others spread) make it seem otherwise.

Therefore, we still have ten days to discuss the nature of Ramayana. In these ten days, very hidden, very great and very secretive things that no one even knows will be revealed. In the future, you will find out.

How sweet it is! All of you partake!

He sweetly touched a stone (Ahalya) that took refuge in Him.

Sing the Name of Sita’s Lord, Rama!

Peaceful, virtuous, strong Hanuman happily sings

the Name of Rama.

How sweet it is! All of you partake!

(Swami sings a Telugu bhajan)

(Swami ends the Telugu bhajan, as hardly anyone knows it!)

Tomorrow I will teach you and afterwards I will sing it!

(Bhagavan ended His Divine Discourse by chanting the 

bhajan, “Rama Kodanda Rama…”)

Summer Course Glossary

May 21^st, 2002

Taken from "A Glossary of Sanskrit Words

Gleaned from Sai Literature"

1)     Atma: (pg. 50) A spark of the Divine; a conglomeration of manas (mind), buddhi (intellect) and samskaara (civilized tendency); Man’s true Reality is the Atma (the Soul). The Atma is a wave of the Paramatma (God viewed as the Universal).

2)     Yogi: (pg.423) An ascetic who has mastered the senses and the mind; a spiritual aspirant.